MUSICAL youngsters across Birmingham are dancing to a new beat thanks to drumming classes for children with special needs.

The Drumtastic programme has been awarded £2,900 from the Youth Opportunities Fund for its African drumming scheme, which helps develop co-ordination and self-confidence for youngsters with learning problems.

Organiser Lorraine Baldwin said the scheme was working wonders with the children taking part.

She said: “Drumtastic is a great way for young people of varying special needs to come together and improve their confidence, fine-tune their motor skills and work together as a team.

“Our new project leader, Tim Kindred, who specialises in world and African drumming, is an inspiration. From the first session the kids loved it. The beat is infectious and Tim has a knack of getting the best out of each member.

“In fact one of them now describes herself as a professional drummer.”

The group attracts children from Solihull, Shirley and Cheswick Green. They meet on Thursday evenings at Shirley Community Church.

One mum whose daughter attends the classes said: “The drum sessions have turned out to be extremely valuable for my daughter.

“What pleases me most is that she has finally found an instrument that she not only enjoys, but is good at too.

“Her co-ordination has really improved since she started drumming and her confidence has gone from strength to strength.

“She’s made new friends and comes home really excited about what she has learned. On top of all this I get a couple of hours to myself, which is lovely too.”